Handheld, integrated multifunction shovel

ABSTRACT

A multifunctional shovel is disclosed, comprising an elongated handle hingedly affixed to the reverse face of the shovel body such that the shovel body rotates axially around the distal end of the handle. In various embodiments, the shovel body comprises a plurality of ground engaging edges, such as a scrapper and plow, which can be positioned for ground engagement by rotating the target edge of shovel body into position around the distal end of the handle. The shovel also comprises a hinge and locking mechanism in some embodiments. The components are all of sufficient rigidity and durability to withstand compressive and tensile forces imposed on the shovel.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to tools, and more particularly relates toimproved multifunctional shovels.

BACKGROUND Description of the Related Art

Standard shovel and tilling implements have been known in the art sincetime immemorial. Typical shovel implements comprise a shovel body(commonly called a blade) and an elongated rigid, usually cylindricalhandle for transferring force from an operator's hands to the toolimplement or shovel body affixed to the handle. Shovel bodies are oftenconvex or cup-shaped for receiving aggregate, coal, mulch, and the like,during lifting movements.

Typically, shovel bodies are formed to serve a predetermined purpose andshaped for optimal efficiency with a predetermined target matter. Forinstance, a coal shovel or snow shovel may be formed with a wide, obtusescoop for gathering large amount of snow or coal quickly, while anentrenching shovel may have a sharper mouth for cutting into compactedsoil and aggregate before removal. Snow shovels consequently are notefficient in removing densely packed target materials, such as ice,which requires a much sharper scoop mouth; while entrenching shovels arealso not efficient in removing snow.

For this reason, operators needing to remove both snow and ice fromresidential driveways must usually make use of a plurality of implementto effectively remove snow and ice from a target area. There exists noefficient implement in the art with both wide and sharp scoop mouths. Itis the same for operators needing to work with other substances.

What is needed is an improved transformable shovel, which integratesmore than one type of mouth, shovel body or leading edge, and whichallows an operator to more efficiently clear a target area by rotatingbetween implements.

SUMMARY

From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need existsfor an integrated, multifunction shovel. Beneficially, such an apparatuswould integrate more than one scoop type, and allow an operator torotate between these implements.

The present invention has been developed in response to the presentstate of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems andneeds in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currentlyavailable shovels. Accordingly, the present invention has been developedto provide an apparatus that overcomes many or all of theabove-discussed shortcomings in the art.

The apparatus is provided with a plurality of components or modulesconfigured to impart the necessary functionality to apparatus. Ahandheld, transformable, multifunctional tool implement is disclosedcomprising: an elongated, rigid, longitudinally-extending handle havinga distal end and having a proximal end, the handle for transferringforce from an operator's hands on the proximal end to a tool implementaffixed to the distal end; a grip affixed to said proximal end forgriping by the operator; a tool implement for one or more of digging,scoping, lifting, and spreading one or more of dirt, soil, mortar,mulch, snow, ice, gravel, sand and ore, wherein the handle is hingedlyaffixed to the to a reverse face of the tool implement such that thehandle rotates axially about a hinge relative to the tool implement; thehinge affixed to the reverse face of the tool implement; and a lockingmechanism for locking the handle in one of plurality of positionsrelative to the reverse face of the tool implement.

In some embodiments, the tool implement comprises a shovel body. Inother embodiments, the tool implement comprises two different groundengaging edges on opposing ends of the shovel body, wherein each groundengaging edge can be positioned for ground engagement by rotating theshovel body on the hinge around the distal end of the handle.

The shovel body may comprise: a left lateral side; a right lateral side;a scrapper blade disposed between the lateral sides on a first distalend of the shovel body such that a scrapping edge of the blade runs inperpendicular fashion to a longitudinal axis defined by the length ofthe handle; a plow blade disposed between the lateral sides on a seconddistal end of the shovel body such that a forward edge of the plow runsperpendicularly to a longitudinal axis defined by the length of thehandle; the reverse face affixed to the hinge; and an obverse face forreceiving one or more of the dirt, soil, mortar, mulch, snow, ice,gravel, sand and ore.

The scrapper blade may be convex. The scrapper blade may furthercomprise a plurality of tines jutting from the edge of the scrapperblade. The scrapper blade and plow blade may be affixed to the shovelbody using screw/bolt mechanism(s).

The hinge may comprise a mounting plate affixed to the reverse face ofthe shovel body using one or more of screws, bolts, and a weld. Thereverse face of the shovel may comprise a planar top surface.

A second handheld, transformable, multifunctional shovel is alsodisclosed comprising: an elongated, rigid, longitudinally-extendinghandle having a distal end and having a proximal end, the handle fortransferring force from an operator's hands on the proximal end to atool implement affixed to the distal end; a rearward grip affixed tosaid proximal end for griping by the operator; a forward grip disposedbetween the proximal and distal ends on the handle; a shovel body forone or more of digging, scoping, lifting, and spreading one or more ofdirt, soil, mortar, mulch, snow, ice, gravel, sand and ore, wherein thehandle is hingedly affixed to a reverse face of the shovel body suchthat the handle rotates axially about a hinge relative to the shovelbody, the shovel body comprising a left lateral side; a right lateralside; a convex scrapper blade disposed between the lateral sides on afirst distal end of the shovel body such that a scrapping edge of theblade runs in perpendicular fashion to a longitudinal axis defined bythe length of the handle, the scrapper blade affixed with a screw/boltmechanism; a plow blade disposed between the lateral sides on a seconddistal end of the shovel body such that a forward edge of the plow runsperpendicularly to a longitudinal axis defined by the length of thehandle, the plow blade affixed with a screw/bolt mechanism; the reverseface affixed to the hinge; and an obverse face for receiving one or moreof the dirt, soil, mortar, mulch, snow, ice, gravel, sand and ore; thehinge affixed to the reverse face of the tool implement; and a lockingmechanism for locking the handle in one of plurality of positionsrelative to the reverse face of the tool implement.

The scrapper blade and plow blade may be affixed to the shovel bodyusing screw/bolt mechanism(s). The reverse face of the shovel maycomprise a planar top surface. The tool implement may comprise twodifferent ground engaging edges on opposing ends of the shovel body,wherein each ground engaging edge can be positioned for groundengagement by rotating the shovel body on the hinge around the distalend of the handle.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics ofthe invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that theinvention may be practiced without one or more of the specific featuresor advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additionalfeatures and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments thatmay not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

These features and advantages of the present invention will become morefully apparent from the following description and appended claims, ormay be learned by the practice of the invention as set forthhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readilyunderstood, a more particular description of the invention brieflydescribed above will be rendered by reference to specific embodimentsthat are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that thesedrawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are nottherefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the inventionwill be described and explained with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a multifunctionshovel in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of amultifunction shovel transitioning from one configuration to another inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of another embodiment of amultifunction shovel in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a rear perspective view of a multifunction shovel inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3C is a rear perspective view of a multifunction shovel inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4A is a top perspective view of a multifunction shovel inaccordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 4B is a lower perspective view of a multifunction shovel inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5A is a top perspective view of a detached blade of a scoop of amultifunction shovel in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5B is a top perspective view of an attached blade of a scoop of amultifunction shovel in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a side perspective view of a multifunction shovel inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6B is a side perspective view of a multifunction shovel inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the blade of a scrapper of amultifunction shovel in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the blade of a plow of amultifunction shovel in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” andsimilar language throughout this specification may, but do notnecessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics ofthe invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details areprovided to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of theinvention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, thatthe invention may be practiced without one or more of the specificdetails, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. Inother instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are notshown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of theinvention.

The schematic flow chart diagrams included herein are generally setforth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the depicted order andlabeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method.Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent infunction, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, ofthe illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employedare provided to explain the logical steps of the method and areunderstood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrowtypes and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, theyare understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method.Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only thelogical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate awaiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumeratedsteps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which aparticular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order ofthe corresponding steps shown.

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a multifunctionshovel 100 in accordance with the present invention. The multifunctionshovel 100 comprises a tool implement 102, a handle 104, a hinge 106,and a grip 108.

In the shown embodiment, the tool implement 102 comprises a semi-convexshovel body or blade. The tool implement 102 may alternatively comprisean ice pick, squeegee, plow, scrapper, pitch fork, hoe, or the like.

In the shown embodiment, the tool implement 102 comprises a semi-convexobverse face for engaging and receiving aggregate, and reverse facewhich is affixed to the hinge 106.

The hinge 106 may comprise a semi-cylindrical housing for griping thehandle 104.

The handle 104 comprises an elongated, cylindrical tube, bar, staff,pole, or the like, with a distal end affixed to the hinge 106 and aproximal end affixed to the grip 108. Generally, an operator will gripthe handle 104 near the proximal end, or grip the handle 104 with onehand while gripping the grip 108 with the opposing hand, using bothhands to transfer lifting force through the multifunction shovel 100 tothe tool implement 102.

The handle 104 is affixed to the hinge 106 such that the tool implement102 rotates around the distal end of the handle 104 through a range of 1to 240 degrees. In the shown embodiment, the tool implement rotatesthrough a range of 145 degrees.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the multifunction shovel 100. Inthe shown embodiment, the shovel 100 is transitioning from oneconfiguration to another in accordance with the present invention. Threephases A-C are shown. In the first phase (i.e. phase A), the shovel 100is shown with the convex portion of the tool implement 102 in a downposition (i.e. with the convex portion in distal position). The convexportion of the tool implement 102 in the shown embodiment comprises ascrapper along its leading edge.

Phase B shows the shovel 100 rotated axially about its longitudinal axis180 degrees. This is the first step in reconfiguring the shovel 100.

An operator completes reconfiguration of the shovel 100 by rotating thehandle 104 on the hinge 106 about the reverse face of the tool implement102. In so doing, the convex portion of the tool implement 102 has nowchanged places with its opposing edge. The shovel 100 has beenreconfigured so that planar section of the tool implement 102 is nowdisposed at the distal end of the tool implement 102, and ready for useby the operator.

In various embodiments, the hinge may comprise locking mechanisms knownto those of skill in the art for locking the handle 104 in place as apredetermined angle relative to the implement body 102.

FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of another embodiment of amultifunction shovel 300 in accordance with the present invention. Theshovel 300 comprises a handle 104, a grip 108, and a shovel body 102,which shovel body 102 comprises a scrapper 304 and an obverse face 302.

The handle 104 and grip 108 are substantially described above inrelation to FIGS. 1-2.

The forward facing face of the shovel body 102 forms, in the shownembodiment, the obverse face 302 of the shovel body 102. Disposeddistally on the shovel body 102, at the distal end of the longitudinalaxis of the shovel 100, is the scrapper 304 for engaging ice and snow.

FIG. 3B is a rear perspective view of a multifunction shovel 300 inaccordance with the present invention. The shovel 300 comprises a handle104, a hinge 106, a grip 108, and a shovel body 102, which shovel body102 comprises a scrapper blade 308 and a reverse face 306.

The handle 104, hinge 106 and grip 108 are substantially described abovein relation to FIGS. 1-3A.

The rearward facing face of the shovel body 102 forms, in the shownembodiment, the reverse face 306 of the shovel body 102.

Disposed distally on the shovel body 102, at the distal end of thelongitudinal axis of the shovel 100, is the scrapper 304 for engagingice and snow, which scrapper 304 comprises the shown scrapper blade 308.

The scrapper blade 308 comprises a metal sheet with a planar top surfaceand a planer bottom surface, having a convex lateral side. The scrapperblade 308 is detachably affixable to the shovel body 102 using one ormore screw/bolt mechanisms, or through other means known to those ofskill in the art. In some embodiments, the scrapper blade 308 is affixedto the reverse face 306. In other embodiments, the scrapper blade 308 isaffixed to the obverse face 302.

FIG. 3C is a rear perspective view of a multifunction shovel 300 inaccordance with the present invention. The shovel 300 comprises a handle104, a hinge 106, a grip 108, and a shovel body 102, which shovel body102 comprises a scrapper blade 308 and a reverse face 306.

The handle 104, hinge 106 and grip 108 are substantially described abovein relation to FIGS. 1-3A.

The hinge 106 in the shown embodiment comprises a cylindrical housingdisposed aft of the pivot axis of the hinge 106 for receiving the distalend of the handle 104. In various embodiments, the distal end of thehandle 104 is affixed to the hinge 106 within the cylindrical body usingscrew/bolt mechanism, adhesive, clamps, or via other means known tothose of skill in the art.

The shovel body 102 comprises a right lateral side 344 and a leftlateral side 346. In the shown embodiments, the sides 344-346 riseoutwardly away from the obverse face 302 of the shovel body 102. In someembodiments, the sides 344-346 comprise planar detachable metal sheetsor bars.

FIG. 4A is a top perspective view of a multifunction shovel 400 inaccordance with the present invention. The shovel 400, in the shownembodiment, comprises a plow 402 for scooping up loosely packed snowand/or aggregate.

The plow 402 comprises a portion of the shovel body 102 which is flatacross its surface with engages the snow and/or aggregate. Snow engagedby the plow 402 is forced upwardly into the convex portion of the shovelbody 102.

FIG. 4B is a lower perspective view of a multifunction shovel 400 inaccordance with the present invention. The shovel 400, in the shownembodiment, comprises the aforeidentified plow 402 which comprises aplow blade 404 for scooping up loosely packed snow and/or aggregate.

The plow blade 404, in the shown embodiment, underlies the plow 402 andthe shovel body 102. The plow blade 404 is affixed to the underside (orreverse face) of the shovel body 102 using rivets, screws, bolts,adhesive, tracks, brackets, clamps or via other means known to those ofskill in the art.

FIG. 5A is a top perspective view of a detached blade 308 of a scoop ofa multifunction shovel 400 in accordance with the present invention. Thedetached scoop blade 308 is convex through its leading edge for scoopingand/or scrapping snow, ice and/or aggregates, and directing the sametoward the center of the blade 308. In some embodiments the blade may beconcave through its leading edge. Like the plow blade 404, the scoopblade 308 is affixed to the shovel body 102 using rivets, screws, bolts,adhesive, tracks, brackets, clamps or via other means known to those ofskill in the art.

FIG. 5B is a top perspective view of an attached blade 308 of a scoop ofa multifunction shovel 400 in accordance with the present invention.

The blade 308 is disposed as shown on the shovel 400, with the shownmeasurements and dimensions.

FIG. 6A is a side perspective view of a multifunction shovel 100 inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6B is a side perspective view of a multifunction shovel 100 inaccordance with the present invention, showing measurement and dimensionof one embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the scrapper blade 308 of a plow ofa multifunction shovel 400 in accordance with the present invention. Asshown, the scrapper blade 308 comprises bore holes, or apertures, in theshown embodiment, for receiving screws, bolts, rivets, or the like, anddetachably affixing the scrapper blade 308 to the shovel body 102.

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the blade 404 of a plow 402 of amultifunction shovel 400 in accordance with the present invention. Asshown, the plow blade 404 comprises bore holes, or apertures, in theshown embodiment, for receiving screws, bolts, rivets, or the like, anddetachably affixing the plow blade 404 to the shovel body 102. In otherembodiments, both the plow blade 404 and/or the scrapper blade 308 mayslide onto a cantilevered lip of the shovel body 102 acting as a track.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A handheld, transformable, multifunctional toolimplement comprising: an elongated, rigid, longitudinally-extendinghandle having a distal end and having a proximal end, the handle fortransferring force from an operator's hands on the proximal end to atool implement affixed to the distal end; a grip affixed to saidproximal end for griping by the operator; the tool implement having aground-engaging edge for one or more of digging, scoping, lifting, andspreading one or more of dirt, soil, mortar, mulch, snow, ice, gravel,sand and ore, wherein the handle is hingedly affixed to the to a reverseface of the tool implement such that the handle rotates axially about ahinge relative to the tool implement through a range 1 to 240 degrees,wherein axial rotation of the handle changes the ground-engaging edge ofthe tool implement to an opposing edge on the tool implement; the hingeaffixed to the reverse face of the tool implement; a locking mechanismfor locking the handle in one of plurality of positions relative to thereverse face of the tool implement; and wherein the shovel bodycomprises a left lateral side; a right lateral side; a scrapper bladedisposed between the lateral sides on a first distal end of the shovelbody such that a scrapping edge of the blade runs in perpendicularfashion to a longitudinal axis defined by the length of the handle; aplow blade disposed between the lateral sides on a second distal end ofthe shovel body such that a forward edge of the plow runsperpendicularly to a longitudinal axis defined by the length of thehandle, the plow blade for engaging a ground surface when the handle isrotated; the reverse face affixed to the hinge; and an obverse face forreceiving one or more of the dirt, soil, mortar, mulch, snow, ice,gravel, sand and ore.
 2. The implement of claim 1, wherein the toolimplement comprises two different ground engaging edges on opposing endsof the shovel body, wherein each ground engaging edge can be positionedfor ground engagement by rotating the shovel body on the hinge aroundthe distal end of the handle.
 3. The implement of claim 1, wherein thescrapper blade is convex.
 4. The implement of claim 1, wherein thescrapper blade and plow blade are affixed to the shovel body usingscrew/bolt mechanism(s).
 5. The implement of claim 1, wherein thereverse face of the shovel comprises a planar top surface.
 6. Theimplement of claim 1, wherein the handle locks into a bracket affixed onthe reverse face.